Dr. Albert Abrams: Controversial Doctor of San Francisco

Dr. Albert Abrams

In his early years of practice in San Francisco, Abrams had a fine reputation and an important position as a medical educator.

Dr. Albert Abrams was a man of “exceptional intelligence and productivity.”He was graduated from Heidelberg in 1882 with his M.D. degree, and opened up his office in San Francisco in 1883.

He quickly built up a large and prosperous practice.

From 1893 to 1898, Dr. Albert Abrams was professor of pathology of the Cooper Medical College.

One Jewish newspaper referred to him as “our talented young professor.”

He gave a number of lectures on medical subjects even before his appointment to the prestigious Cooper Medical College.

In 1897 Abrams demonstrated the value of X-ray in cardiac diagnosis.

Eccentricities

But, by the end of the 1890s, Dr. Abrams’ “eccentricities became rather generally known to his colleagues.”

Albert Abrams’use of hypnotism was pronounced “a bit balmy.”

After 1904 the writings by Dr. Abrams began to emanate “the aroma of quackery.”

Some of Abrams’ theories such as his diagnosis of cancer, syphilis and tuberculosis by means of radio and electric analysis were promoted through numerous lectures he gave in Europe and America, by newspaper advertisements and by his writings.

He established clinics in various cities including London, which featured an electric sign in Trafalgar Square.

Dr. AlbertAbrams realized large financial returns from his clinics, though the medical theories with which they operated were rejected by the medical community.

In San Francisco it was said to be common to see patients with incurable diseases “left moneyless and hopeless after their electronic treatments,”in Abrams’ clinics.

Dr. Albert Abrams’ lectures continued to attract appreciative audiences and favorable mention by such well-known figures as Upton Sinclair.

Abrams even chartered branches of his school in some cities.

His medical contemporaries considered him to be “a clever, money-mad neuropath.”

Community

Dr. Albert Abrams became a substantial contributor to the Federation of Jewish Charities of San Francisco.

Family

Dr. Abrams outlived two wives.

Dr. Albert Abrams died in 1924 of bronchial pneumonia.

More information can be found in the following issue of Western States Jewish History: